Could McKinley Park earn historic designation? This committee could nominate it

Sacramento City Councilman Jeff Harris, who represents District 3, home to McKinley Park, explains in detail the reasoning, planning and work that went into refurbishing the park's pond. Over the years, it had become a mess, full of leech-covered
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Sacramento City Councilman Jeff Harris, who represents District 3, home to McKinley Park, explains in detail the reasoning, planning and work that went into refurbishing the park's pond. Over the years, it had become a mess, full of leech-covered
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The California State Historical Resources Commission will meet in Sacramento next month to consider nominations for federal historic designation of seven state sites, including the city’s McKinley Park.

If McKinley Park is nominated and designated, it will join more than 90,000 other places on the list, which also features iconic Sacramento buildings like Memorial Auditorium.

Sites listed on the National Register of Historical Places are recognized as being significant in American history, architecture, art, archaeology, engineering and culture, according to the National Park Service, who oversees the list. Listed sites are eligible for federal protections, specific tax provisions and historic preservation.

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It was purchased by the city in 1902 and annexed within city limits. The city renamed it in honor of the 25th U.S. president, William McKinley, a year after his assassination.

The park includes the Clunie Memorial Clubhouse and the Iva GardShepard Garden & Arts Center. The park also features tennis courts, picnic areas, a baseball diamond, running and walking paths, a basketball court and a playground.

Six other sites being considered for nominations are St. Helena Public Cemetery in Napa County, Thacher School Historic District in Ventura County, Martinez Grammar School Annex in Martinez, Beverly Fairfax Historic District in Los Angeles, Canterbury Apartment Hotel in Hollywood and Ramona Main Street Colonnade in San Diego County.